A Unique Python Huntress

Yep, they’re out there, by the hundreds of thousands! Since the early 1990’s Burmese Pythons, an invasive species of snake, have been living in South Florida and reproducing at an exponential rate! The exact number here will never be accurately known, but they have been moving from Florida’s southeast coast toward the southwest. The reason more of these reptiles are being caught in our area is simple…food.

The number of mammals living in the wild has diminished severely and the natural balance of nature has been thrown into disarray. In some areas the population of raccoons, rabbits, birds, bobcats and even deer have decreased by 90% as these reptiles satisfy their appetites.

One solution established by the South Florida Water Management District (SWFMD)? Hunters have been hired to help lower the number of pythons here. Now, when I think of a python hunter, visions of backwoods residents come to mind. I can hear that banjo playing now! But I sat down last week with someone a little different. There are only 100 licensed python hunters around the world and 15 of them are women. The one I introduce to you today really breaks the mold!

A former Homecoming Queen and standing at 5’4” tall, Amy Siewe is becoming a legend here in south Florida. She started hunting these reptiles in July, 2019 and is beginning her fourth year in her efforts to remove this invasive species. Her office hours, in the Everglades that is, begin at sunset and go until about 4:00 AM. Since she was a young girl, Amy has had a passion for wildlife and reptiles in general. She was taught well by her father to respect what nature gives you. Her prowess in capturing these reptiles has earned her the title “Python Huntress.” You can follow her adventures on Instagram at pythonhuntress_amy or visit her website and learn about her python products at www.PythonHuntress.com.

She does not like to euthanize her catches but understands that if the Burmese Pythons remain unchecked, their devastation to the Florida Everglades will further upset the natural order of wildlife here. Following the guidelines of her SWFMD permit these snakes are humanely destroyed.

Amy has captured more than 400 pythons in just over three years. Her largest catch, which she managed by herself, was a 17’3” female that weighed 110 pounds. She was driving down a road and noticed some movement in the tree line. Recognizing the unmistakable pattern on this beast she knew it was a python and a big one at that. After gaining control of the snake, she was sitting on it trying to figure out how to get it into her truck. Fortunately, friends drove by and gave her a hand. Now this was not a Florida record but it was the largest captured by Amy. The largest catch in Florida is 18’9”.

Amy tells me that, if possible, it is best to approach a python from behind. Their line of sight is limited to the front and sides so coming from behind gives a hunter an advantage. Sometimes, though, snakes don’t always cooperate with them. Amy was in a staring contest with one and worked her way to its side before lunging on the body to get control. This is one gutsy girl!

There are dangers in trying to capture a python. First of all, they bite, but these are primarily defensive strikes, to protect themselves. They are not venomous but they don’t brush their teeth after every meal. The backwards facing teeth can latch on to someone and break the skin. It is important to clean any wounds very, very well to prevent infections. Amy also warns that the tail must be watched at all times to assure it doesn’t thrash or curl around you.

Fame is beginning to catch up with her. Just in the past month or so she has been followed by MSNBC, CNN and was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times. Also a documentary crew watched her at work and another crew will be talking to her soon as well. Podcasts are common for Amy.

What Amy wants the public to know is that she is trying to be an asset to Florida, a protector of the Everglades. She doesn't like to euthanize snakes but realizes that it is necessary to try and preserve the balance of nature in South Florida. I admire her sense of values and wish her well in her hunts.

With all of the news articles, national interviews and documentaries, what’s next for this young lady? She is in the process of lining up a trip to Southeast Asia, the original home of Burmese Pythons, to learn more about the capture techniques and general behavior of the pythons there. 

Good luck, young lady, and thanks for your efforts to restore our Everglades wildlife!